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Which Soap is Best?

Antibacterial soap vs. Plain soap: Which is better?

Antibacterial soaps are no more effective than plain soap and water for killing disease-causing germs outside of health care settings. There is no evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than plain soap for preventing infection under most circumstances in the home or in public places. Therefore, plain soap is recommended in public, non-health care settings and in the home (unless otherwise instructed by your doctor).

Do antibacterial soaps promote antibiotic resistance?

There is no evidence that antibacterial soaps cause antibiotic resistance, but some scientists believe they may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistant germs.

Plain soap:

Recommended for use in non-health care settings

Easy to find in stores – read the label!

Usually less expensive than antibacterial soaps

Rubbing your hands is the most important step in cleaning your hands

Antibacterial soap:

Not needed in businesses or most homes (unless directed by your health care provider)

No more effective than plain soap in killing germs on your hands or body

Must be left on your hands for about two minutes in order to have any effect on bacteria

Regulatory History and Attributes of Consumer Antiseptics
In 2005, an FDA advisory panel considered the question of the effectiveness of antibacterial products and overwhelmingly concluded that there was no evidence proving that antibacterial soaps were more effective than regular soaps for preventing infection.

Clinical Infectious Disease Journal Literature Review
A literature review published in the Clinical Infectious Disease Journal concluded that antibacterial soaps do not provide a benefit above and beyond plain soaps for generally healthy people living in the community. (Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Sep 1;45 Suppl 2:S137-47)

APIC Guideline for Handwashing and Hand Antisepsis in Healthcare Settings
American Journal of Infection Control, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology
(AJIC. 1995 23:251-269)

Food handlers in restaurants, schools, delis and grocery stores must wash their hands with soap and water
before applying hand sanitizers. [Minn Rules Chap. 4626.0070 - 4626.0085]
See Hand Hygiene for Food Handlers for more information.